Whole house declutter fail | I tried the minimalism game and failed

Maybe I should just quit minimalism.
Minimalist House Tour: • Minimalist House Tour ...
#minimalism #declutter #housetour
••• I N S T A G R A M •••
@rebecca_sisson
••• I N Q U I R I E S •••
[e-mail]
••• A L I T T L E A B O U T M E •••
Hi, I'm Rebecca. I'm a content creator, brand strategist, KZbinr, yogi, earth lover and desert dweller. I believe in living with intention and treading lightly on this earth, and strive to create content to inspire and educate others on a path towards more mindful living. I upload new videos every week on minimalism, sustainability, zero waste and wellness.#minimalism #declutter #wholehouseclean

[@analcalap00]

With all my respect for The Minimalists... those guys are overrated, I believe. That game is just not your decluttering style (neither mine) and I wouldn't call it a failure. You tried and it didn't make you comfortable. The game failed not you 😘

[@JulianaGockos]

i saw a video of a girl who draw 31 bubbles in a piece of paper and numbered them from 1 to 31 and did the game more spontaneously... so if in the 4th day she decluttered 25 items, she'd paint the bubble numbered 25... on day 17 if she decluttered 12 items, she'd paint the bubble numbered 12 and so on... until she painted all of them 😃

[@susanrikimaru6630]

I did something similar to this, it felt much more authentic

[@kathyfannon7563]

I think the minimalism game is better for someone just starting out in minimalism, not someone who is a minimalist and has been for a long time. Thanks for sharing your "fail"! You still inspire us, Rebecca!

[@ericaterrones16]

I was gonna say same thing

[@kamloopscruiser874]

The minimalist game never worked for me. For one thing I already am minimal. For another I do the onion method- a layer at a time. It helps me really work through why something needs to go.

[@nikig2891]

“I’m not good at white clothes.” OMG! I’m not alone.

[@stewartyoung335]

😄 I'm with you on the mins game. As a minimalist myself, I love the idea, but it wouldn't work for me. I prefer those little sparks of inspiration that come every now and then ✨️😁

[@txspacemom765]

I have been a minimalist for over 30 years. I've been extreme and everything in between. I now consider myself a comfortable, aesthetic minimalist. It ebbs and flows. You have not failed, you are were you are supposed to be. Make it work for you, not some standard.

[@Cheif_Runs_with_scissors]

You can't " fail" at minimalisim ❤

[@isaultra3405]

Except you become more messier... But then you should ask yourself why? Usually it's due to stress. Happened to me 🙋😓

[@michellem.4358]

My guess is others have 'failed' at the game. You couldn't find an example of this simply because no one was brave enough to shafe their 'failure'. Thanks for keeping it real!

[@margaretinsydney3856]

I can see that game working for sort of new minimalists -- not absolute beginners but people who have seriously embraced minimalism but still have a house full of stuff. Your home is already beautifully spacious and spare. I don't imagine you have more than a few bits and pieces to shed. (Love to Gypsy).

[@aprillr2158]

I’m the same as you. I’m an all or nothing girl. Once I do my seasonal declutter the items must leave my home for the their final destination as soon as possible.

[@floridamermaid16]

Same here…I don’t like that game either but I do take everything out of where I’m decluttering & only put back what I love

[@DsnyLuv]

I love your channel and think now it’s more real. I have a friend that actually has a sickness that doesn’t want to own anything, even things to live. It’s so sad, but you are balanced and healthy. This is reZl😊

[@jacquelinemcgowan8164]

Hi Rebeccca well said. i used all sorts of ways to declutter and sometimes when you put a figure on the amount say 30 items sometimes the amount becomes more important than the actual items One thing i did for one year was before I bought something I would ask myself have I enough and if the answer was yes, then I would put the item back, this saved me a lot of money and stopped me buying alsorts of gimmicky things that sneak in and then start to over loads us again , I hope that encourages you, xxxxx

[@amandaruthbarnes1181]

I usually do the game totally wrong lol. I take a couple weekends and check lots of boxes but never do it each and every day. I like the checking boxes because it encourages me to declutter things that dont take up a lot of space so I often overlook them when decluttering

[@minimalistact7246]

I have done this game but if I start for the month and I have 10 things to de-clutter, I will mark the 10th day if next day I find three things to de clutter, then I will mark day three and so on. And I caught on to that on my second month challenge. I always start strong at the beginning so I mark the highest day of the month and then at the end of the month it’s a little bit harder, one or two things and I start marking the lower days it’s kind of like going backwards.😅

[@scoutmockingbird3833]

That's a great idea :)

[@skyedaisy4007]

If you feel the need to make it a game just count the items as you go for the whole month, and get rid of them the same day. 500 (or more) items, GO!! :))

[@chazychaz7581]

You are not alone. And you didn't fail. This game isn't for me either ❤️

[@jeanmarie2928]

You declutter with ease for your minimalist life path. The minimalist game works for many people. Maybe not as appealing to those of us who are already minimal or comfortable with their level of possessions. Almost subconsciously we monitor what comes in and look for items to let go. Enjoyed your video 🪷

[@DevonneAnonly]

The minimalist game is about building decluttering muscles. You have already decluttered so much so the game is not for you. It’s sad to hear you think you’ve failed. I don’t think you’ve failed at all. It’s a way of living and if stuff builds up, well sometimes it takes a while before you discover what’s happened. Declutter is something we have to do regularly. Maybe you could try a weekly check around the house instead of waiting a few months? You are an inspiration to me when it comes to how you keep your house - hope you’ll figure out how you want to live out the minimalist in you.

[@susanashton6608]

Yes, I agree. I love watching KZbinrs do the Mins Game but know it is not for me. And the main reason is that I simply don't have enough stuff to declutter. I don't let it build up and I do regular mini-declutters and get it out of my (small) house. I think it is great for those starting their decluttering journey and who have a ton of things to get rid of. If the Mins Game had been around when I began decluttering I think I might have enjoyed it.

[@tllw0209]

I'm with you, declutter as I get to it! Today, the 7th, I decluttered 58 music CD's. I'm so happy! 😊

[@danabrown2391]

I think this game works best when somebody is just starting out and has tons of clutter everywhere! Not with someone who is very pared down anyway! That's why I've never wanted to do it as well, I have similar traits as you, I that as soon as I find two or more items, I want to take them to Goodwill for donations or my local clothing resale shop because I want them out of the house! Especially clothes I don't want to pull them out again!

[@natashafrazier9120]

Rebecca, I tried the minimalist game too before, and I realized I think it’s more for those who have a whole lot of things for which they haven’t decluterred In a very long time. I want to say I have been watching your channel for about two years, and I learned more about minimalist more from you than anyone else on a pretty consistent basis. You apply it to many areas of your life and that’s why you have been a true inspiration to me. No game will ever define you! Have a blessed day! :)

[@ImLunaShesZeta]

I didn't like the minimalism game either. But I do like Rachel Jones 2023 in 2023 chart. The chart gave me more spontaneity to choose when and how much to declutter adjust having one big end goal. Although I could see it not fully working for a seasoned minimalist. And The Minimalist do say to get each days decluttering out of the house by the end of the night. I have noticed that youtubers will save it all for a grand reveal, but that won't work for everyone.

[@megandelizabethperkinsandc9135]

So great to see another video! Always happy when you post them. Thank you for sharing! You inspire me so much! Your awesome!

[@09231986m]

I've tried the game a few times with similar results. First few days exciting, then it became tedious. I found myself decluttering old takeaway containers and trying to count the tops and bottoms individually to get 'the right number'. It just felt absurd.

[@julier1616]

I like your method and style of decluttering and minimalism. That’s why I follow you. You are totally a minimalist! 🇨🇦🌿💚

[@analcalap00]

Same here 😘

[@Meinvt]

I do the min game every once in awhile but really think it’s best for beginners. It’s also good to do with someone else if being competitive will get you more inspired or if the other person otherwise doesn’t ever declutter but is competitive and this is the only way you can get them to even look at their stuff 😊

[@shehnazahmad5213]

I believe minimalist it is different to all. There is no 1 rule fits all and all the channels I came across all say same. I am minimalist over 20 years. More the last 3 years and I love my own style. I do what works for me. I don't follow any style. I am minimalist I love it, I have very few items abd what my life easy and I save my money to travel. I love to travel. Im in South Africa. Thank you

[@sleepingwhale]

Wow I can feel the energy of the coat. Glad you got rid of it. I wore a really nice dress to an event that I did not have a very good time at and similarly I eventually decided to just get rid of it because that's all I saw looking at it.

[@sleepingwhale]

I also agree with another comment that says this game is for people with more stuff that you have! & Love the colour scheme in the guest bedroom!

[@conniepleasantnails]

I think minimalism is such a journey. It’s taken me a few years to even get furniture right. Living with things and learning what works is certainly a process. I was recently motivated by that 30 declutter challenge to “finish” my decluttering. I like doing my decluttering on days I have nothing going on. I also just try to finish simple areas like the kitchen & bathroom. The closet takes a bit more strategizing for me since I’m figuring out how to make space for my husbands clothes too. Our closet is small. It’s happening but it’s a slower process. I think you did a great job and the 30 day challenge is really a good catalyst to motivate a start, I think how & when you end is a very individual decision. It sure feels good getting rid of stuff…😂❤

[@jasminealixandranorth]

Looking very elegant today my dear! My 2 cents.....ditch the striped jacket, keep the formal one.

[@katew3818]

You are so right that mess begets mess. I cleared my garbage to turn into a home office. I decluttered a lot but a lot of stuff ended up in the sitting room and it has just become more messy. Starting to declutter.

[@dionysiachelioudakis3199]

Minimalism is about becoming free of unnecessary things, thoughts, relationships etc. It's about living intentionally. However the last years many people misunderstood the point of it. Instead of liberating many feel trapped (which colour should I wear to look minimal? How many items to own?). The mediocracy is lost. People tend to move to the edges (overconsume or feel obliged to throw many things and ideally live with 0). As soon as we stick to the label of "minimalist", derive a sense of identity almost exclusively by it it becomes like ocd. Only a source of stress, no liberating or intentional at all

[@lindabourketempleton4040]

I have not done the game but on my holidays I put all my family history into my ancestry account out of boxes and files and folders filling large two recycle bins and also normal trash bins. I think I went over the number just with that

[@katrinao8902]

My drive for a minimalist lifestyle is for the overall health of the planet. The less we consume the better for Mother Earth (leave a small footprint). The minimalist game is far too contrived for me. To remove something from my life simply because of an expectation instead of based on it no longer adding value seems like the way to “fail.” Keep being you Rebecca! You’re a winning minimalist in my book 👍🏻

[@mayaetzionfaiman4211]

Great video, pls share if you don’t mind, where is your high neck shirt from? Thanks!!! ❤

[@tzveti]

I love your bun!🔝❤

[@Sophie-kn3gh]

Love declutters! Maintenance is always part of the process

[@zakosist]

Yes, its up to what works for each personality exaclty how you do the declutteting process. I think getting rid of things as much as possible shouldn't be the focus, but many people can benefit from getting rid of some excess stuff. One could very well get rid of too much and lose things it turns out you actually did value, or need later on despite not using often. The rooms look kinda sad without some decor on the walls in my opinion. And if its a constant thing you have to get rid of things to not get cluttered, you probably buy too many new things, too often, in the first place

[@Rinthella]

the minimalism game is one method. It may work for some and doesn't for others. But here's the thing: there are so many different methods so there's surely (at least) one which will work for you - you just have to figure out which one(s) ;)

[@jemma50]

Rebecca, I am with you regarding the minimalism game. It's not for me, either. I like to declutter as I live my life. I have a small bin in which I put things I no longer want. When it is full, it's off to the thrift store. Sometimes I will declutter intentionally, usually with clothes. I think the minimalism game might be effective for people who have tons of stuff and are just beginning their decluttering or minimalism journey. They have a lot to work with. You are one of the most minimal minimalists I have ever seen on YT. I am actually not a minimalist on a grand scale, because I do love beautiful things. I still look at the wall behind your sofa and think - you need some artwork!! LOL Obviously, artwork is not necessary for you, but for me, I can't stand blank walls. So there are clearly different types of minimalists. I still love to watch your videos, especially those with a glimpse of Gypsy. She just has the sweetest face! ♥♥♥ Thanks for sharing!

[@crocheh]

I wouldn't say that you failed - I completely understand and empathize with what you're saying. It doesn't feel like a fun game to me either, it feels super stressful and then I also "hoard" items to declutter on the appropriate date. I think that it only works (personal opinion only!) for fun youtube content. I don't think it's all that practical. I also feel really exhausted by the minimalism gate keeping that seems to happen, which makes those who might not look like a traditional minimalist feel the need to constantly validate and confirm why they are. I love your channel whether you identify as a minimalist or not. I'm always excited to see when you upload.

[@tamiurquizo746]

I totally agree. I tired it and it doesn't work for me.

[@R_DLF]

All or nothing is just the way you are. Don’t be a minimalist according to others ideals, be a minimalist according to your own expectations. Just be you and it will work. 😊

[@heliamartins3378]

Be happy whatever you do … no failure 🎉

[@norawotton5440]

Number one - your hair looks great like that. Number two - do you really want to keep (even in purgatory) a dress that scratches? You might be tempted to wear it and it will ruin that day. Just a thought.

[@jenniferschaffer1625]

I have a hard time believing you have even 50 items to declutter at this point!

[@leaha8602]

The game doesn’t work for me either. I’ve tried it multiple times.. not good.

[@ema-b1h]

sounds like your house is tidy enough - so you wouldnt have enough clutter for the game- which is maybe also for beginners and and and very SM clickbait... your doing very well i think

[@elaineparker2681]

Good for you, Rebecca! However, I do want to say that uncomfortable clothes are always best passed on.

[@beckyrushfan8174]

Are you coming back?? I wish you would, I miss your videos! 😢

[@carolann811]

I get the bad energy vibe from clothes. I had a beautiful silk skirt I saved for a long time to buy, watched for sales, and finally -- finally bought. Found the perfect blouse, the best shoes. Got all dressed up and went to work. And got fired. The skirt was never worn again.

[@wonderingsanna]

Hi Rebecca! If you don´t want to "keep" stuff that you decluttered earlier in the game/challange/month wy didn´t you just take it out of the house? I understand if one wants to get a full bag before going to a recycle centre or to donate. Otherwise, just get rid of it. One really good thing with all those different challanges is that one can allways tweak them to fit oneself. If you want countability and make a video, take a pic or film it every day....

[@lourlopezsk]

I've tried the minimalist game a few times but I never get to more than 10 days. Just like you, it's not my decluttering style (I'm much more the konmari method). And I still think backwards would be better: 30 items on the first day, 29 on the second and so on

[@Smithpolly]

It sounds like the minimalist game works for you but as a sprint rather than a marathon. You could adapt it to "Picking 7 items on the first day, 6 on the second and so on." and then you're done at the end of the week and then leave it for six months and do it again. That way it can stay a game rather than a slog where you're forcing yourself to get rid of things just for the sake of reaching a number.

[@alchittenden]

I've done the game a few times and agree that the way it's setup does not work for me. One of the times that I did the game, it ended up being right before the pandemic hit and then got stuck with a stupid amount of crap in my living room while everything was shut down for months. ☹ I couldn't take it anywhere to actually donate it. The most successful time I played it, I actually changed the game to where I would write out all the numbers and declutter what I could each day and then just mark off the number that I got rid of that day. That way I wasn't putting things aside to declutter on a later day. Once I filled up my box, I got rid of it. I can see how the game could work for those just starting on their minimalism journey, but at a certain point, I don't think it's as beneficial anymore.

[@kaseyjondahl7979]

the minimalism game can work but I prefer doing it backwards and start with the largest number first.

[@deanacincotta2236]

The game doesn't work for me... i'm an all or nothing kinda person. Maybe if I just count up how many things would equal a whole month and do it all at once I'd be better off 🤣

[@jackieo2403]

Great video. You're hair is so cute this way- and it must be long!!!!!!

[@KristiBranstetter]

My goal is not to be a minimalist... It is about simple living. I declutter when I want. I declutter and organize at my pace. Do it at your pace.

[@creatorsfreedom6734]

better than leavening Grub and tripping hazard's all over the floor

[@KristiBranstetter]

@CreatorsFreedom!!! I may have had piles, but at least they were neat ones. Decluttering is a marathon, not a sprint.

[@DesertNebula]

Yes nobody is supposed to think, do and live the same 😅 that's a hivemind. I can't wrap my mind around.... you're not minimalist enough. Who knows if those other KZbin videos even kept the clutter. I call myself a ghetto minimalist. My bedroom is nice but kitchen is a messsss. I have all these gadgets 😅 The new things I bought was a sweater and some longsleeves. I did toss tank tops and kitchen cups

[@MNP208]

There are good and bad points to any philosophy, religion, diet, exercise program, etc. etc. You take what works for you.

[@emineemine1315]

Minimalism doesn't means you have to the ow everything away minimalism is not a home like a it's a shop!

[@emilyevans6989]

Let’s not call it a failure. . . that particular method just didn’t work for you. I personally have learned so much from you, and while I will never be a minimalist, I do things differently now-shampoo bar, laundry detergent sheets, less toilet paper, more vegetables, less clothing, more conscious of packaging. . . to name a few. You’ve done great work through your channel, and I always learn so much!

[@shayincolorado5214]

I’m the same as u❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@cynthia6771]

The mins game was not designed to help a minimalist, it was meant for those who are starting to adapt mininalism. I hate when minimalists make these videos to slam the game.

[@kakaakemi678]

Rebecca, I think because you're a minimalist for so long you simply don't have 500 things to declutter!😅 you're still my model! Haha

[@9melissal]

I doubt there's any way you have four hundred something unnecessary items laying around your house to declutter at this point in your minimalism journey. This challenge wasn't going to be possible for your to succeed at from the start which is exactly what I was thinking when you announced you were going to do it.

[@mtncreekdawn]

Minimalism is a useful tool, but making it your identity? Nope. Obsessing over it & feeling like a failure if it doesn't come naturally? Also nope. Judging yourself based on arbitrary standards by people whose lives aren't anything like yours? Even more nope. Ask yourself: What is my OPTIMUM amount of stuff - not MINIMUM. I do best with moderate maximalism. Aesthetically I love lots color & pattern & texture. Functionally I do best with a generous backstock of useful & practical items (efficiently organized, easy to access, & proportional to how much I use). My hobbies include various crafts; I have a book & media library going back decades; I have a collection of dishes & silver just for fun; and our family has a variety of pets. Having stuff enriches my experience of life. Minimalism is, however, useful for me in certain conditions. Working & walking spaces are kept clear, & nothing is stored directly on the floor; I call that 'horizontal minimalism'. I'm also minimize digital stuff (limited social media; not keeping a lot of stuff stored on the computer); I like tech, but I hate how disposable it is (due to planned obsolescence) & how much time it sucks up. Responsible ownership is more about having various tools than following a single technique, and practicing self awareness to figure out which combination works for you.

[@emineemine1315]

And you don't have to be a minimalism to have a clean home